SEC Engages Crypto Startups in Fort Worth Under Project Crypto

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently hosted a meeting with early-stage crypto projects in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a notable shift toward open dialogue in the regulatory landscape. Led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, the session was organized under the SEC’s Project Crypto initiative and aimed to foster direct engagement with blockchain startups. The meeting, scheduled for September 4, 2025, invited small crypto projects to submit brief descriptions of their activities ahead of the event, reflecting the SEC’s ongoing efforts to understand the evolving nature of digital assets [1].

The gathering comes at a pivotal moment as the SEC continues to refine its approach to crypto regulation. Following the enactment of the GENIUS Act, which encourages regulatory clarity for emerging technologies, the meeting is seen as an opportunity to bridge the gap between regulators and developers. Peirce has long advocated for a balanced approach that supports innovation while maintaining investor protection. This initiative, which is not tied to financial incentives or grants, emphasizes dialogue and regulatory feedback over capital distribution [2].

Market participants have expressed cautious optimism about the implications of the meeting. Discussions around tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the potential regulatory treatment of proof-of-stake blockchains are expected to shape the broader sentiment in the industry. Analysts suggest that the SEC’s engagement could influence the development of ETPs and other tokenized instruments, potentially redefining how digital assets are categorized and managed under U.S. law [3].

The event also aligns with Texas’s growing reputation as a hub for blockchain innovation. Local startups and accelerators are increasingly contributing to the development of infrastructure and decentralized protocols. While the SEC has not indicated immediate policy changes, the meeting reflects a broader trend of regulators seeking to engage with the industry proactively, rather than retroactively, to address compliance challenges and foster sustainable growth [4].

Sources:

[1] Source: Coinlive, [https://www.coinlive.com/en/news-flash/873697](https://www.coinlive.com/en/news-flash/873697)

[2] Source: JD, [https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/weekly-blockchain-blog-august-2025-3-1471491/](https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/weekly-blockchain-blog-august-2025-3-1471491/)

[3] Source: GovInfo, [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-18/pdf/2025-15621.pdf](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-18/pdf/2025-15621.pdf)

[4] Source: 富途牛牛, [https://news.futunn.com/en/post/60762479/nightdragon-and-capital-factory-partner-to-accelerate-technology-for-national?futusource=news_newspage_recommend](https://news.futunn.com/en/post/60762479/nightdragon-and-capital-factory-partner-to-accelerate-technology-for-national?futusource=news_newspage_recommend)